In message , me
writes
It takes a finite amount of time. The confusion comes in that
it is not uncommon for folks in other lands to order from the
bar, especially if they aren't planning on using a table (playing
pool, darts, whatever). So just because I see someone ordering
from the bar, doesn't mean it is what I need to do. Furthermore,
if they are anticipating food orders, many bars "over here"
don't want you to order from the bar so that the table service
can earn their keep. I've been "waived off" so to speak over here
when attempting to order from the bar when there was table service.
The final confusion of course is that pubs on this side of the
pond (those english and irish "themed" pubs) often DO have table
service. So one doesn't necessarily go in expecting it to be much
different. Like I said, it takes a finite amount of time to figure
out the system.

I've been to Belgian bars where table service makes no sense. The
heaving crowd standing in the Kettle bar in Ghent could not possibly be
served that way. Any time there are no tables or spaces at the bar
tracking your tab becomes much harder and bar service and instant
payment becomes the norm.

Paying for each round immediately is pretty common anyway, for everyone
but tourists. It can save a serious amount of time & frustration when
you're ready to leave each bar in my experience.

I think you're right, foreigners expect to have the choice and for some
reason tourists choose the table+table service option wherever they are
(including the brits abroad).

The French are a whole different story, they never seem to be interested
in getting served anyway, they just seem to want a place to sit and
enjoy a smoke. Or maybe its just the ones I've seen
--
Paul Shirley: email anti-spammed